Nicki Minaj’s Brother Jelani Maraj Found Guilty in Child Rape Trial

Nicki Minaj’s older brother Jelani Maraj has been convicted of felony sexual assault against a child, a court spokesperson confirmed to Pitchfork. He faces 25 years to life in prison, according to the Associated Press. TMZ reports that Maraj has also been convicted of endangering the welfare of a child. He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 14. Maraj’s lawyer has said that he will appeal the decision. Jelani Maraj was charged and indicted in April 2016. He pleaded not guilty.

Maraj has been referenced in his sister’s lyrics in the past. On 2010’s “I'm the Best,” Minaj names him and her younger brothers as the reasons “why I grind like I do.” On “All Things Go” from 2014, she raps, “And I know Jelani will always love me, and I'll always love him.” Pitchfork has reached out to representatives for Nicki for comment.